Mr DEAN (HERBERT, QUEENSLAND)
- My question to the Minister for Post and Telecommunications refers to the Prime Minister's reply to a question yesterday concerning the work bans and limitations currently in force in the Australian Telecommunications Commission and the Australian Postal Commission. Can the Minister advise the House as to the present situation in these disputes and what action the Commissions are planning to take against Australian Postal and Telecommunications unions employees who refuse to carry out their normal duties?

Mr STALEY
-The Australian Postal Commission and the Australian Telecommunications Commission will take action to stop the pay of employees who refuse to perform their normal duties. They agree with the Government's principle of no work, no pay. In addition, where employees of the Commissions are made idle as a result of industrial action, stand-down action will be taken. In pursuit of this policy, last night Australia Post stopped the pay of employees who refused to work as directed. Telecom will indicate to the union this morning that if work bans are not lifted immediately it will act on the principle that workers who will not work as directed will not be paid. The Australian people are fairminded and they will agree with the Government's view that, if a person refuses to perform his normal duties, there is no earthly reason why he should be paid. This principle applies particularly where vital public services are at stake, as they are in regard to these postal and telecommunications matters. We believe deeply in arbitration, but we are determined to act against industrial anarchy.